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Speech-generating devices (SGDs), also known as voice output communication aids, are electronic augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems used to supplement or replace speech or writing for individuals with severe speech impairments, enabling them to verbally communicate their needs.〔Aetna Inc. (2010)〕 SGDs are important for people who have limited means of interacting verbally, as they allow individuals to become active participants in communication interactions. They are particularly helpful for patients suffering from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).〔Blischak et al (2003)〕 There are several input and display methods for users of varying abilities to make use of SGDs. Some SGDs have multiple pages of symbols to accommodate a large number of utterances, and thus only a portion of the symbols available are visible at any one time, with the communicator navigating the various pages. Speech-generating devices can produce electronic voice output by using digitized recordings of natural speech or through speech synthesis—which may carry less emotional information but can permit the user to speak novel messages.〔Glennen & Decoste pp. 88–90〕 The content, organization, and updating of the vocabulary on an SGD is influenced by a number of factors, such at the user's needs and the contexts that the device will be used in.〔 The development of techniques to improve the available vocabulary and rate of speech production is an active research area. Vocabulary items should be of high interest to the user, be frequently applicable, have a range of meanings, and be pragmatic in functionality.〔 There are multiple methods of accessing messages on devices: directly or indirectly, or using specialized access devices—although the specific access method will depend on the skills and abilities of the user.〔 SGD output is typically much slower than speech, although rate enhancement strategies can increase the user's rate of output, resulting in enhanced efficiency of communication.〔 The first known SGD was prototyped in the mid-1970s, and rapid progress in hardware and software development has meant that SGD capabilities can now be integrated into devices like smartphones. Notable users of SGDs include Stephen Hawking, Roger Ebert, Tony Proudfoot, and Pete Frates (founder of the ALS ice bucket challenge). Speech-generating systems may be dedicated devices developed solely for AAC, or non-dedicated devices such as computers running additional software to allow them to function as AAC devices.〔Glennen, pp. 62–63.〕〔Jans & Clark (1998), pp. 37–38.〕 ==Speech-generating device history== SGDs have their roots in early electronic communication aids. The first such aid was a sip-and-puff typewriter controller named the patient-operated selector mechanism (POSSUM) prototyped by Reg Maling in the United Kingdom in 1960.〔Vanderheide (2002)〕〔Zangari (1994)〕 POSSUM scanned though a set of symbols on an illuminated display.〔 Researchers at Delft University in the Netherlands created the lightspot operated typewriter (LOT) in 1970, which made use of small movements of the head to point a small spot of light at a matrix of characters, each equipped with a photoelectric cell. Although it was commercially unsuccessful, the LOT was well received by its users.〔Stassen et al., p. 127〕 During the 1970s and early 1980s, several companies began to emerge that have since become prominent manufacturers of SGDs. Toby Churchill founded Toby Churchill Ltd in 1973, after losing his speech following encephalitis,.〔Toby Churchill (About Us)〕 In the US, Dynavox (then known as Sentient Systems Technology) grew out of a student project at Carnegie-Mellon University, created in 1982 to help a young woman with cerebral palsy to communicate.〔Dynavox (Company History)〕 Beginning in the 1980s, improvements in technology led to a greatly increased number, variety, and performance of commercially available communication devices, and a reduction in their size and price. Alternative methods of access such as Target Scanning (also known as eye pointing) here the movement of a user's eyes is used to direct an SGD, and scanning, in which alternatives are presented to the user sequentially, became available on communication devices.〔〔Hourcade (2004).〕 Speech output possibilities included both digitized and synthesized speech.〔 Rapid progress in hardware and software development continued, including projects funded by the European Community. The first commercially available dynamic screen speech generating devices were developed in the 1990s. Software programs were developed that allowed the computer-based production of communication boards.〔〔 High-tech devices have continued to become smaller and lighter,〔 while increasing accessibility and capability; communication devices can be accessed using eye-tracking systems, perform as a computer for word-processing and Internet use, and as an environmental control device for independent access to other equipment such as TV, radio and telephones.〔Robitaille, pp. 151–153.〕 Notable individuals who have used AAC devices include Stephen Hawking, Roger Ebert〔Chicago Sun-Times, (2009)〕 Tony Proudfoot, and Pete Frates. Hawking is unable to speak due to a combination of severe disabilities caused by ALS, and an emergency tracheotomy. He has come to be associated with the unique voice of his particular synthesis equipment.〔Stephen Hawking and ALS〕 In the past 20 or so years SGD have gained popularity amongst young children with speech deficiencies. Starting in the early 2000s, the use of SGD began to beneficial not just for adults, but for children too. Neuro-linguists found that SGDs were just as efficient in helping children who were at risk for temporary language deficits after undergoing brain surgery. In particular, digitized SGD has been used as communication aids for pediatric patients during the recovery process. 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Speech-generating device」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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